Intel Ireland hosted the annual Intel Academic Forum for Europe, Middle East and Africa at the Irish Management Institute (IMI) in Sandyford. The event took place over a three day period with over 200 people in attendance. Participants included representatives from the leading universities and research institutes as well as Intel Fellows, researchers, technologists and executives who presented and shared information on the latest developments in research relating to the semiconductor industry.

The Forum was launched by Brenda Musili, Intel Worldwide Director of Education and Benny Ginman, Intel Director of Government Affairs EMEA. The guest of honour at the Gala Dinner on the final night was Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin. Frank Turpin, Intel Ireland’s Education manager spoke proudly of the success of the event, “Bringing the 11th Intel Academic Forum to Dublin was a great coup for Ireland and Intel. Over 200 delegates from across Europe Middle East and Africa were excited not just by Intel’s new research direction but were struck by Intel’s large high tech investment here and also impressed by Ireland’s commitment to a knowledge based economy. Minister Martin was gracious in support of the Gala dinner and the weather was fabulous which is always a plus.”

This year’s theme was ‘Multi Core and Platforms: A Leap Ahead in Research’. The forum explored the significant changes in Intel’s research direction relating to the continuing drive to increase the computing power of its processors and improve the digital solutions it provides. In the past Intel’s business involved increasing the computer power of its chips; Intel is changing as it moves to putting more than one processing unit on individual chips and is working to understand its end users’ needs to create total solutions.

At the event, eight plenary keynote speakers from Intel discussed varying aspects of the general theme, including their own university research which they believe to be of relevance to the Intel Corporation. One external keynote speaker, Dr Bill Harris, Director General, Science Foundation Ireland, delighted the delegates with his impressive work, which happens to be the biggest investment in Ireland on science research. Over the three days, participants could opt for one of two specialist tracks – Silicon Technologies & Manufacturing or Systems & Architecture, each with nine in-depth technical talks. The participants also enjoyed the poster sessions held on days one and two, featuring posters from academics from over 70 countries containing research from their own work and curriculum development from the academic delegates which they believe to be of particular relevance and interest to the Intel group.

Intel, the world leader in silicon innovation, develops technologies, products and initiatives to continually advance how people work and live. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom.